The Hindu calendar system is based upon the motion of the moon. Each lunar year comprises twelve months. The lunar year comprises 354 days, compared to 365 ¼ days of the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar system.
The twelve months of the year are lunar-based, where each month is divided into the bright half (waxing of the moon), known as the ‘shukla paksha and the dark half (waning of the moon), known as the ‘krishna paksha. The 15th day of the sukla paksha half (full moon), is known as Purnima, while the last day of KP (new moon), is known Amavashya.
The word “Panchang” is derived from Sanskrit language, it consists of two words, 'Panch' which means 'Five' and 'Ang' which means 'Limbs', i.e. 'Five Limbs'. The Panchang is consulted before initiating any auspicious task such as marriage, auspicious celebrations, puja, starting any business etc. to analyse a favourable date and time. By following this, obstacles can be tracked, and hurdles can be resolved, hereby adding to the success rate.
Hindu Panchang, also called Panchangam or Hindu Calendar, is an accumulation of numerous lunisolar calendars used widely in Vedic Astrology. A static method of timekeeping is adopted but differ on the basis of Moon or Sun Cycle, name of months and beginning of New Year.
The Hindu calendar year is based on the Vikram era, after King Vikram of Ujjain. The system is still widely used in Northern and Western India. The calendar began in 57-56 BCE.
Hindu Panchang comprises of five distinguished sources of energy, which are as follows:
● Vaar (Day of the Week): Panchang follows a seven-day week and modulates auspicious events, dates and occasions based on it. The 7-day week starts from Sunday to Saturday and are named after their representative planets.
● Tithi (The Lunar Day): It refers to the status and position of Moon in Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) or Krishna Paksha (waning phase). In either cases, Tithi is named after the condition of Moon. this makes up for one main reason that there are 14 tithis in both cycles between Amavasya and Purnima.
● Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion): The universe is divided into 12 constellations or zodiacs according to Vedic Astrology. As defined, Nakshatras are group of 27 stars forming a zodiac sign. They are analysed according to the Moon’s position.
● Karana (Half Lunar Day): The half of a Yog is called Karana. 2 Karanas make a Date or Tithi, totalling to 11 Karanas in all. 4 of them are fixed, and remaining 7 are movable.
● Yoga (Luni-Solar Day): A yoga is calculated by summing the Longitude of Moon and Sun and divided into 27 parts in 13°20'.
Please refer to the below links to view auspicious dates:
DRIKPANCHANG
Australian Council of Hindu Clergy Inc
http://www.australiancouncilofhinduclergy.com/panchang.html
Vedic Astrology divides time into five fundamental parts together called the Panchang. The Panchang is used by Vedic Astrologers to judge the auspiciousness of the time and is also used to calculate the Vedic birth chart or “Janam Patrika” of a person. The word “Panchang” is derived from the Sanskrit word Panchangam” (pancha, five; anga, limb), which refers to the five limbs of the calendar or the five parameters – day/vaar, tithi, star/nakshatra, yoga, and karana corresponding to that day. It is called by different names in India – Tamil panchangam, Telugu Panchangam, Kannada Panchangam, Gujarati Panchang, Marathi Panchang, Hindi Panchang, Bengali Panchang, etc. Hindu Panchang or the Indian calendar is basically based on Nakshatra.
In order to understand the workings of Panchang, it is equally important to understand the Cycle of Time (Kaalchakra). According to Hindu scriptures, all mortal beings are destined to pass through four great epochs in every cycle of creation and destruction. This divine cycle turns full circle at the end of what is known as Kalpa. A kalpa is a yuga cycle, which is a period of 10,000 divine years and is divided into four ages or yugas (Sanskrit yuga = age/epoch). According to one calculation, one yuga cycle is estimated to be 4,320,000 years, and one kalpa is 4,320,000,000 years.
The four eras (Yugas) thus are:
According to Indo-Aryan traditional philosophy, the Cycle of Creation is divided into four eras known as ‘Yugas”. The Yugas (or Yugs) are a unique contribution to the world’s knowledge because they unite the study of the inner and outer man. An understanding of the cycle of the yugas reveals that the development of mankind is inextricably bound together with the development of every man’s consciousness.
The Cycle of Time: ( Kaalchakra)
According to the Hindu theory of creation, time (Sanskrit ‘kal’) is a manifestation of God. The creation begins when God makes his energies active and ends when he withdraws all his energies into a state of inactivity. God is timeless, for time is relative and ceases to exist in the Absolute. The past, the present, and the future co-exist in him simultaneously.
About the 4 Yugas
The four great epochs in Hinduism are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Satya Yuga or the Age of Truth is said to last for four thousand divine years, Treta Yuga for three thousand, Dwapara Yuga for two thousand and Kali Yuga will last 1,000 divine Years which equals 432,000 earthly years.
God creates the cycle of time, called Kalachakra, in order to create divisions and movements of life and sustain the world in periodic time frames. God also uses the time to create the ‘illusions’ of life and death. It is time, which is accountable for old age, death, and dying of his creations. When we overcome time, we become immortal. Death is not the end of the process, but the beginning of the next.
Each one of the four Cycles is described below:
Each Yuga is an age with specific characteristics in which incarnations of Shri Vishnu appear. The four Yugas make up a cycle called “divya-yuga”, which lasts 4,320,000 years. One thousand of these Yugas equal one day of Brahma, which is called a “Kalpa”. Brahma’s lifespan is 100 years of His time. In each Yuga, there is a specific process of self-realization (Yug Dharma).
SATYA YUGA (sometimes also called krta-yuga): the “Golden Age” which lasts 1,728,000 years. The process of self-realization in this Yuga is a meditation on Vishnu. During this Yuga, the majority of the population is situated in the mode of goodness and the average life span at the beginning of the Yuga is 100,000 years.
TRETA YUGA – also called the Silver Age, lasts 1,296,000 years and the process of self-realization is the performance of Yagnas (sacrifices). The average life span is 10,000 years and the Godly qualities decrease one-fourth compared to the Satya yuga.
It is during this age that Varna-asrama-dharma is introduced.
DWAPAR YUGA – or the Bronze Age, lasts 864,000 years and the process of self-realization is the worship of the deities within temples. Godly qualities are reduced to 50% by now and the average life expectancy is only 1000 years.
KALI YUGA – the Iron Age of hypocrisy and quarrel, lasts 432,000 years. This is the period in which impurities and vices flourish, virtues diminishing. The predominant emphasis is on materialism (Bhotik Sukh), thereby reducing spirituality. Shri Vishnu appeared in His original, transcendental form before the beginning of Kali Yuga. The process of self-realization is Sankirtana, the chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord. God's consciousness is reduced to 25% of the population and life expectancy is only 100 years. By now only 5000 years of Kali Yugas have passed, and it is predicted that by the end of this Yuga, people’s life span will only be 20 years.
How is Panchang Calculated?
Hindu Panchang is an ancient Indian Calendar system based on Astrological facts and astronomical data. Calculations are based on the position and movement of the planets, stars, nakshatra, and constellations. The actual casting of a Panchang involves elaborate mathematical work involving a high level of spherical geometry and a sound understanding of astronomical phenomena, such as sidereal movements of heavenly bodies. The calculations in the Panchang are used to determine the most ideal or auspicious vaar, tithis, yogas, nakshatras, and karan, commonly called the Muhurat, for carrying out various activities like vivah muhurat or marriage, grihapravesh, starting a puja, etc. Even ayurvedic remedies and herbs when administered under a particular nakshatra are the most effective. The Panchangam/Ephemeris is also a ready guide that gives us the dates of important Hindu festivals, daily nakshatras and the Moon’s transit. A Panchang gives the exact time when a particular task can be undertaken to reap maximum benefits.
The time between two consecutive Sun rises is the Solar day and the time between two consecutive Moon rises is Lunar Day or Tithi. The panchang measures time in lunar months and their names are based on stars and constellations. The new moon is called “Amavasya” and it sees a new month. The first fortnight of the full moon is known as Shukla Paksha or “the bright half” as the moon waxes; while the dark half fortnight of the month is called Krishna Paksha during which the moon wanes. Purnima or Full Moon marks the end of Shukla Paksha.
Months in the Hindu Panchang
The 12 months of the lunar year in Hindu Panchang correspond to the following, and their names derived from the nakshatras are:
However, there may even be 13 months as each month begins with the new moon. When two moons occur in the same solar month, the two lunar months are known by the same name but will have “adhik” placed before the name of the first month. Occasionally a solar month may occur with no moon, when this happens, the solar month is known as a “kshay” month.
Is Panchang a necessity?
Yes, because a Panchang tells us about the five elements – Tithi, Vaar, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karan. Any new venture commenced on a shubh tithi/muhurat will bring prosperity, and a deed undertaken on the right day of the week – shubh vaar will enhance longevity. Any deed undertaken on a day with a favorable star or shubh nakshatra will destroy ill effects on the person; diseases will disappear if deeds are performed at a time of shubh yoga and objectives will be achieved without hurdles if started during a shubh karan.
If you have further questions regarding Panchang please visit this link.
We also recommend Drik Panchang for this purpose.
Home / Hindu Panchang / Astrology
Astrology or Jyotish is a Sanskrit term derived from the word “Jyoti” or light. Jyotish is the Vedic science of Astrology and Astronomy. It is the science of the luminaries. The science of Jyotish is based on the ancient Sanskrit scriptures, the Vedas, Puranas, Itihasas, and Samhitas, and the Rishi-vaidyas, or the statements of great sages like Maharishi Parashara, Vedavyasa, Jaimini, Bhrigu, Narada, Garga, etc.
The ancient Maharishis who realized the laws of the science of Jyotish did so while submerged in meditation, and in this transcendental state of consciousness, the truths of Jyotish were revealed to them. Therefore this holy science is accepted to be perfect.
Of course, the system of Vedic Astrology is very vast and elaborate, and many people nowadays have difficulty comprehending or correctly interpreting it. This is because the people of Kali-yuga, the present world age, are much more degraded in memory and intelligence than the ancient Maharishis who were present in Satya, Treta, and Dwapara yugas. For timing of the ages, many newcomers to Vedic astrology find its calculation or interpretation methods quite complicated and unreasonable. But from modern science, we also know that even the simplest cell of our organism is incredibly complicated in its structure and function.
Therefore we should not expect that a system describing the fate and all characteristics of a person should be very simple and exact at the same time. We should have faith that the teachings of the Maharishis are perfect, and if we follow in line with them, we will gain the ability to understand the principles of Jyotish and apply them correctly.
As I have pointed out earlier, Jyotish comprises both astrology and astronomy. Jyotish is one of the six Vedangas, or corollaries to the four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva). Pandit Harihara calls Jyotish “the eyes of the Vedas,” therefore Maharishi Parashara also advises all Brahmanas (saintly priests or intelligent, pious persons) to study Jyotish in the time of Vedic sacrifices.
Jyotish was used both for time and calendar calculations and also for determining the proper timing for different Vedic ceremonies like yajnas (fire sacrifices), pujas (temple worship), samskaras (purificatory ceremonies), etc. This branch of Jyotish is called Muhurtha, or finding the auspicious timings. It can also be extended to any other important activities like marriage, travel, contracts, meetings, medical treatment, house building, etc.
Coming back to Western terms, astronomy is mainly dealing with calculations of the planets’ movements and other astrophysical characteristics, in which the ancient Indian astronomers were great masters. There are more than five medieval Jantar Mantars (astronomical observatories) all over India (in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, etc.) which are functioning and giving accurate results even nowadays. The astronomical calculations given in the Surya Siddhanta (which is said to be authored by the great demon Maya) gain support in their accuracy even from modern observations. The branches of astronomy within Jyotish are Ganita or Siddhanta (calculations) and Gola (spherical astronomy).
On the other hand, astronomy is basically dealing with the effects of karmic reactions on the native based on the indications of the planetary movements. We should understand a basic truth here instantly; That it is not the planets’ influence or control over our lives. They just indicate the changes expected due to our own karma, i.e. previously committed activities.
So Jyotish is a method for divination of the native’s fate and character based on the movement of the planets. The planetary movements indicate the changing quality of the time, which activates different types of karmic reactions. Thus the basic difference between astronomy and astrology is that astronomy mainly deals with the measurement of the quantity of time, while astrology deals with the changing quality of time.
These qualities are divided into three main categories in Vedic philosophy: Sattva (goodness, the principle of balance and maintenance), Rajas (passion – the principle of activity and creation), and Tamas (the principle of inactivity and destruction). These modes of material nature (Prakriti) are called Gunas. As the three Gunas direct everything in the material reality, Jyotish is a method for studying and predicting the changes of the three Gunas.
Vedic Astrology has altogether four branches: Jaataka or Hora (predictive astrology dealing with birth charts), Prashna (horary astrology dealing with query charts), Muhurtha (electional astrology dealing with auspicious moments for activities), and Nimitta or Samhita (the science of omens dealing with different natural occurrences and signs of the physical body for divination).
By Gauranga Das
Some Definitions of Astrology
Astrology is a long-established method of exploring ourselves, our relationships, and our place within the world. It works by taking a look at the significant environmental influences operating in a particular place at a given time – as expressed through the horoscope in the symbolic relationships of the heavenly bodies. Astrology, the science of the stars, can give us insight into all manner of situations, from the personal to the political and from the most intimate to the most mundane.
Jyotisha (‘, in Hindi and English usage Jyotish; sometimes called Hindu astrology, Indian astrology, and/or Vedic astrology) is the Hindu system of astrology, one of the six disciplines of Vedanga, and regarded as one of the oldest schools of ancient astrology to have had an independent origin en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyotish
Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs in which knowledge of the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details is held to be useful in understanding, interpreting, and organizing information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters. …en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology
The theory and practice of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs. www.mysticalblaze.com/GlossaryParanormal.htm
We have found reasonably good sites listed below. If you found better sites please forward links to us and we will update those sites for our readers.
http://www.dirah.demon.nl/english.htm
The Ruby, which sprays out red rays in the sunlight, is considered a superior quality gemstone.
Ruby glowing in darkness is considered to be of superior quality.
Any Ruby when rubbed on a stone and the stone shows signs of rubbing also the Ruby does not lose its weight and is considered to be of superior quality.
Following are the blemishes that may be found in a Ruby:
It may be silky.
It may be dull, that is devoid of brilliance and luster.
It may display an ambiguity of colors.
It may be brittle or with cracks.
There may be a lack of water in it.
There may be some cracks in its texture.
The ruby may be smoky.
The ruby may be dirty or filthy.
It may have some on its surface.
It is firmly believed that wearing pearls ensures happy conjugal life and protection from widowhood. Anybody wearing an unblemished Pearl earns riches and is blessed by the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. He or she lives long and all his sins are said to be washed away. He gets vitality, becomes intelligent, and achieves a high position in life. Pearl with a yellow luster brings wealth. A reddish pearl makes one intelligent. White Pearl bestows fame and the Pearl with blue hue is the giver of good fortune. The wearing of a defective pearl brings troubles. The Pearl, in which there is a spot without luster like the hole, that pearl, is likely to cause leprosy to the wearer. If in any pearl there is a spot or sign that looks like the eye of a fish, the wearer suffers the loss of children. The Pearl, devoid of luster, is said to shorten life. The Pearl that is flat brings a bad name to the wearer. The Pearl that is long instead of round makes the wearer foolish and an idiot. If a side of the Pearl is broken, the wearer of such stones suffers the loss of his livelihood.
Cracks on surface
Lines on the body of the Pearl.
Joint-like appearance.
A mole of black color, the wearing of such Pearl gives very inauspicious results,
Without any luster
With spots,
One with dirt inside it,
Who Should Wear A Pearl
Pearl is the gemstone ruled by Moon. It is a suitable and gainful gemstone for those in whose nativities Moon is lord of an auspicious house or when as lord of an auspicious house is afflicted or not well placed in the birth charts.
The wearing of a Red Coral (Moonga) makes the native courageous and a conqueror of his enemies. It is believed that the genuine Red Coral warns the wearer of coming ill health by changing its color. The Red Coral prevents bad dreams and nightmares. It protects the wearer from evil spirits. A good and auspicious Coral possesses the following merits:
It is of an opaque red pigment of cinnabar or the Bimb” fruit. It is perfect.
It is perfectly round or oval.
It is very regular in shape.
It is without any holes.
It is smooth.
There may be a black or white spot in the composition.
There may be a crack on the surface of the body.
There may be more than one shade of color in the same piece.
There may be a depression, bend or twist on the surface.
Who Should Wear Red Coral
Red coral is the gemstone of Mars (Mangal). A person whose birth chart Mars is lord of an auspicious house should wear coral. If Mars is lord of the inauspicious house in a birth chart, it will be harmful to the native to wear Red Coral.
For the Aries (Mesha) Ascendant, Mars (Mangal) is the lord of the Ascendant or Lagna. The person with this ascendant should wear a Coral all his life. Red Coral will give good health, longevity, courage, name, fame, and happiness. It will neutralize the evil effects of Mars if it is ill-disposed or is afflicted in any way.
For the Taurus (Vrishab) Ascendant (lagna), Mars is the lord of the 7th and 12th houses. In this case, the native of this Ascendant should avoid wearing a Coral. However, if Mars is in his own sign in the 7th or 12th house Coral may be worn, in the major period of Mars.
For the Gemini (Mithuna) Ascendant (Lagna), Mars is the lord of the 6th and 11th houses. In this case, Mars will not be considered an auspicious planet. Therefore, natives of this ascendant are advised to avoid wearing the coral. However, Red Coral may be used if Mars is in his own sign or in the 6th or 11th in the Major period of Mars.
For the Cancer (Karka) Ascendant (Lagna), Mars is lord of the 5th house which is a trine or Trikona and the 10th house quadrant or Kendra is a very auspicious (yoga Karaka) planet. If natives of cancer Ascendant always wear it, they will be blessed with children, intelligence, good fortune, name, fame honors, and success in their professional careers. If Red Coral is worn with Pearl – the gemstone of the lord of Cancer ascendant results will prove more beneficial. The beneficial results will be more pronounced in the major period of Mars.
For the Leo (Simha) Ascendant also Mars being lord of the 4th quadrant (Kendra) and 9th house – a trine or trikona is a very favorable and auspicious planet (yoga Karaka) and wearing of Red Coral will give the same beneficial results as in the case of Cancer Ascendant. Apart from these results the native will have or acquire lands and property and he or she will have good fortune, will become virtuous, and his or her father will enjoy a long life. If Mars is posited in his own sign in the 4th or 9th the beneficial results will become more pronounced. Wearing a Ruby – the gemstone of the lord of this Ascendant along with Red Coral will accelerate the beneficial results.
For the Virgo (Kanya) Ascendant (lagna) Mars is lord of the 3rd and 8th house and is malefic for this Ascendant. Wearing of Red Coral by the natives of this ascendant should be avoided as far as possible. However, if absolutely necessary, Red Coral may be used in the major period of Mars if Mars is in his own sign in the 3rd of the 8th house.
For the Libra (Tula) Ascendant (Lagna) Mars is the lord of two Maraka (death inflicting houses) houses namely the 2nd and the 7th house. Moreover, Mars is an enemy of Venus, the lord of this Ascendant. Wearing a Red Coral by the natives of this ascendant should be generally avoided. The second house is the house of wealth, therefore, if Mars is in his own sign in the 2nd, Red Coral can be worn with good results during the Major period of Mars. As far as the 7th house is concerned if Mars is there in his sign, this disposition will give rise to a powerful Panchamahapurusha yoga known as Ruchaka yoga which will provide the native with a strong physique ruddy complexion, attractive body, charitable disposition, wealthy, long-lived and leader of an army”.
For the Scorpio (Vrischika) Ascendant (Lagna), Mars is lord of the Ascendant (and of the 6th). Nevertheless, his lordship of the Ascendant will prevail over the lordship of the sixth house. The Red Coral will be beneficial to the native in the same manner as to the Aries Ascendant.
For the Sagittarius (Dhanu) Ascendant (Lagna), Mars is the lord of the 5th and 12th houses. The auspicious lordship of the 5th trine or Trikona will supersede or prevail over the lordship of the 8th hose and by wearing Red Coral, the natives of this ascendant will be blessed with children, good fortune, name, and fame, particularly if Mars is in his own sign in the 5th house or bhava.
For the Capricorn or Makara Ascendant, Mars is lord of the 4th and 11th houses. Wearing Red Coral in the major period of Mars will provide natives with the land; property and conveyances. He or she will get domestic harmony, happiness from mother, and gains of wealth.
For Aquarius or Kumbha Ascendant, Mars will be the lord of the 3rd and 10th houses. Wearing Red Coral in the major period of Mars will be useful for promotion and success in the professional field. If, however, Mars is in his own sign in the 10th house, this disposition will give rise to Ruchaka yoga and the native can wear a Red Coral with advantage whenever necessary.
For Aquarius or Kumbha Ascendant, Mars will be the lord of the 3rd and 10th houses. Wearing Red Coral in the major period of Mars will be useful for promotion and success in the professional field. If, however, Mars is in his own sign in the 10th house, this disposition will give rise to Ruchaka yoga and the native can wear a Red Coral with advantage whenever necessary.
Emerald is considered an expensive gemstone. Most Emeralds have cracks, which reduces their value. A pale shade is not as valuable as an emerald having deep velvet green to having a shade of grass green. It is difficult to find a flawless emerald. A good Emerald is smooth and transparent and emits bright rays, and is without any dots or spots, this type of stone is considered the most auspicious gemstone. An Emerald of good quality and without blemishes gives good health and a strong body to its wearer. Apart from this, it also makes him wise and intelligent. It increases the wealth and property of the wearer and blesses the native with children. It gives protection from the bites of snakes, it also protects natives from evil. It is also considered beneficial for good eyesight. It ensures safe and painless delivery for pregnant women. An Emerald, which is blemished causes injuries, deprives happy parents, and causes mental and physical distress to the wearer.
Cracks
Brightness
Haziness
Dual colored
Without any luster
Spots of any colors
Brittleness
Who Should Wear an Emerald?
Emerald is ruled by Mercury. Natives having mercury as obtaining lordships of auspicious houses will do very well if they wear emeralds. If Mercury is badly disposed of or is inflicted by, in conjunction with, or aspect by a malefic planet then Emerald will neutralize the evil effect of such adverse influences.
Jupiter rules the Pukhraj or Yellow Sapphire. It is yellow in color and whatever class it belongs to, it is used for getting the benevolent blessings of Jupiter.
An unblemished yellow sapphire (often-called Topaz, a substitute semi-precious stone) gives the wearer, good health, wisdom, property, longevity, name, honors, and fame. The wearer is blessed with children. It gives protection from evil spirits. It is believed that if there are obstructions in getting a suitable match for a girl, she gets married early by wearing a yellow Sapphire. Blemished gemstones are the cause of many troubles. A stone with cracks invites threats or theft. One without luster and transparency creates enemies and causes disharmony in the family. A milky stone invites injuries to the body. The one with a web causes stomach disorders. The one with red dots on it destroys wealth. The stone with depression causes anxiety and disturbs the peace of mind.
Who Should Wear a Yellow Sapphire?
Yellow Sapphire is a gemstone ruled by Jupiter. There is some difference of opinion on whether the Sapphire assigned to Jupiter is the white Sapphire or the yellow Sapphire.
It is the most expensive gemstone in the category of gemstones. The most auspicious diamond is one that is colorless with a blue tinge or one, which sprays blue, and red rays and is without black dots. The Diamond with a red or yellow hue or tinge is said to be beneficial and auspicious for kings, political leaders, and administrators. The Diamond having a white hue is suitable for religious, social, and spiritual works. The Diamond of yellow hue showers success and prosperity. The Diamond of black hue is suitable for people who are engaged in inferior jobs or professions. Women desiring the birth of sons to them should wear an unblemished white Diamond having a slight black hue. The wearer of the Diamond is protected from the bad influences of evil spirits, and snakebites. A defective or blemished Diamond causes great harm to its wearer. The Diamond with the shape of an island is white, destroys wealth and happiness, and the one with the black Yava destroys wealth. Other defects disturb mental peace and bring disasters and diseases.
Inauspicious Diamonds
Dots: – The appearance or impression of a dot on the Diamond is a major flaw in the diamond. Black dots are considered inauspicious in a diamond. A white dot is considered acceptable.
If there are dots like the crisscrosses, then such a diamond is considered inauspicious and is believed to bring death to its wearer.
If the yava-shaped dots are on the diamond, then it becomes inauspicious except when the dots are white in color.
If there is dirt in the corners or center of the diamond, even then it becomes inauspicious.
Who Should Wear a Diamond
Diamond is the gemstone of Venus. It will be beneficial for natives whose birth chart Venus is lord of auspicious houses.
For the Aries (Mesha) Ascendant, Venus is lord of two Maraka (death-inflicting) houses, and mars, the lord of this Ascendant, is an enemy of Venus. Therefore, it is advisable for the natives of this Ascendant not to wear a Diamond. If necessary, a Diamond may be worn in the major period of Venus, if necessary, if Venus is in his own sign or is exalted in the 12th house. One word of caution, natives whose birth chart indicates a short life or those who are seriously ill should never wear a diamond. Instead, in such circumstances, they may wear Red Coral, the gemstone of the lord of this Ascendant.
For the Taurus (Vrish) Ascendant, Venus is the lord of the Ascendant. In this case, a diamond can be worn by the natives of this Ascendant for the whole of their life for longevity and advancement in life. It will be extremely useful to wear it in the major and sub-periods of Venus. A combination of Diamond and Emerald will prove very useful and give an advantage to the natives of this Ascendant.
For the Gemini (Mithuna) Ascendant Venus is the lord of the 5th, a trine or trikona , Venus is an auspicious and a benefice planet for this Ascendant (Lagna). Venus is also a natural friend of Mercury who is the lord of this Ascendant. Consequently wearing a Diamond in the major and sub-periods of Venus will provide happiness, name, fame, intelligence, fortune, and children to the native. Wearing diamonds along with Emerald will be beneficial for the Gemini natives.
For the Cancer (Karka) Ascendant, Venus is lord of the fourth and the seventh houses. Lordship of these houses makes Venus an inauspicious planet for this Ascendant. Moon, which is lord of this Ascendant, is the natural enemy of Venus.
For the Leo (Simha) Ascendant Venus is lord of the 3rd and the 10th houses. Venus will be an inauspicious planet for this Ascendant (Lagna), but, if Venus as lord of the 10th house is posited in the 6th, 8th, or 12th diamond will help in the profession. If Venus posited in his own sign in the 10th house, it will give rise to two Amala and Malavya yogas.
For the Virgo (Kanya) Ascendant Venus is lord of the 2nd house which is also the house of wealth and the 9th house which is the house of luck or bhagya, it is also a trikona, Venus is an auspicious planet here, and wearing of a Diamond will provide native with wealth, children, fortune and honors. There will be pronounced results during the major and sub-periods, more when Venus is in its own sign in the second or the ninth. Wearing a Diamond along with an Emerald will ensure success in life for Virgo Ascendants.
For the Libra (Tula) Ascendant, Venus is lord of the Lagna and eighth house and is considered an auspicious planet. Wearing diamonds will provide a healthy, long and successful lifestyle for the native. It will be extremely profitable to wear it in the major and sub-periods of Venus. In nutshell, a Diamond is a protective charm for the Libra Ascendants.
For the Scorpio (Vrischik) Ascendant, Venus is lord of the 7th and the 12th houses. Apart from this, Mars, as lord of this ascendant, is hostile toward Venus. Consequently, a diamond should not be worn by the natives of this Ascendant.
For the Sagittarius (Dhanu) Ascendant, Venus is lord of the sixth and eleventh houses. In astrology, the occupation of these lordships is considered inauspicious. Moreover, Venus is also an enemy of Jupiter who is the lord of this Ascendant. If Venus is in its own sign or in the sixth or eleventh houses or as lord of the eleventh and is posited in the Ascendant, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th, or 10th then wearing of a Diamond in the major period of Venus will be beneficial from the point of view of financial gains for the native.
For the Capricorn (Makra) and Aquarius (Kumbha) Ascendants Venus will be lord of the 5th and 10th and the 4th and 9th houses respectively. Venus will be considered yogakaraka planet for these Ascendants. The Capricorn and Aquarius natives will get success in life by wearing diamonds for the rest of their lives. These natives will get excellent results if a diamond is worn along with Neelam or Blue Sapphire.
For the Pisces (Meena) Ascendant, Venus is the lord of the third and eighth houses, both of which are considered inauspicious houses. Venus is also an enemy of Jupiter who is the lord of this Ascendant. Therefore wearing of Diamond will not be beneficial for the natives of this Ascendant even when Venus is in the 3rd or the 8th in his own sign in a birth chart.
Blue Sapphire (Neelam) should never be worn without a trial. An unblemished blue Sapphire if it suits the wearer can remove poverty and provides health, wealth, longevity, happiness, prosperity, name, and fame. It also restores lost wealth and property.
A blemished Sapphire (Neelam) is the cause of many miseries. If the Sapphire (Neelam) has white lines on it, it is bad for the eyes. The whitish (milky) stone brings poverty. A cracked blue sapphire brings accidents to the native. The dual-colored stone may cause trouble from the enemy side. The dull-colored Sapphire (Neelam) causes distress and worries to nears and dears.
There are also following beliefs about this stone.
If the Sapphire (Neelam) is put in water and the same water is used to wash the scorpion bite, the effect of the poison is removed immediately.
If the Sapphire (Neelam) is worn as a talisman, it gives protection from evil spirits.
The Sapphire forewarns its owner by changing its color if there is any conspiracy or threat of an attack on him by his or her enemies.
Who Should Wear A Blue Sapphire (Neelam)?
Blue Sapphire (Nelam) is the gemstone ruled by Saturn.
The gemstone that is transparent, of fine and good color, soft in touch, and gives luster and radiance, is considered a stone of good quality and auspicious gomedha. The gemstone has a light blackish hue, is without radiance, rough, flat, and full of layers, and looks like a yellow piece of glass, is a stone of average quality and is not considered auspicious. Wearing an unblemished Gomedha ensures the native safety and protection from the deadliest of enemies. Gomedha bestows health, wealth, and prosperity on its owner. A blemished gemstone is harmful to the wearer. The red-colored gomedha is injurious to health and one having a mixture of mica is a destroyer of wealth.
Who Should Wear Gomedha?
Rahu and Ketu are shadowy nodes and do not own any signs in the zodiac. Rahu and Ketu give the results of the lords of the bhavas or houses they occupy. Therefore, if Rahu and Ketu occupy a bhava (house), the lord of which is an auspicious planet in a birth chart and is well placed in it, Rahu and Ketu will give better results for that particular planet. In such circumstances, it will be beneficial for the native to wear a Gomedha for Rahu or Cat’s eye for Ketu in their major and sub-periods.
The Cat’s Eye having a yellowish radiance and a white band belongs to the superior class of such gemstones. The stones having a depression, spots, mica mixed, having a web, or which are dull, are treated as defective and should be avoided for remedial purposes. Wearing a Cat’s Eye gives happiness in the matter of children and makes the wearer wealthy. It is a restorer of lost wealth. Cat’s Eye is a quick-acting gemstone and should always be worn after a trial. A blemished stone proves harmful. The stone with spots causes trouble from enemies and that with depression creates stomach disorders. The dull stone is bad for health. A Cracked gemstone gives injuries. The stone with a black dot or spot is likely to prove fatal to the wearer.
Who Should Wear Cat’s Eye?
Rahu and Ketu are shadowy nodes and do not own any signs in the zodiac. Rahu and Ketu give the results of the lords of the bhavas or houses they occupy. Therefore, if Rahu and Ketu occupy a bhava (house), the lord of which is an auspicious planet in a birth chart and is well placed in it, Rahu and Ketu will give better results for that particular planet. In such circumstances, it will be beneficial for the native to wear a Gomedha for Rahu or Cat’s eye for Ketu in their major and sub-periods.
Home / Hindu Panchang / Major Festivals
In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major festivals and numerous minor ones, as well as those that are celebrated on a local or regional basis, which are celebrated differently according to the location, or even named differently. There are different festivals to celebrate the various incarnations of God, as well as those that honor the seasons, harvests, relationships, and certain principles of the Vedic culture. Some of the major festivals are listed and described as follows:
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Hindus consider the Sun king of the planets. Makara Sankranti is the celebration of the sun’s journey to the Northern Hemisphere. It is celebrated in mid-January. It is known as Lohri in the north and Pongal in South India. It is celebrated with a feast that includes a dish made of green gram, rice and jaggery. People bathe in holy waters and worship the sun.
Vasant Panchami is known as the festival of kites. It is celebrated towards the end of winter in the month of January-February. Vasant Panchami is celebrated in the northern parts of India. The weather changes from harsh winter to soft spring or “Vasant”. Vasant is the time when the mustard fields are abound with their yellow flowers that seem to usher in spring. So Punjabis welcome the change and celebrate the day by wearing yellow clothes, holding feasts and by organizing kite flying. Vasant Panchami day puja (worship) is devoted to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Learning. She bestows the greatest wealth to humanity–the wealth of knowledge.
Shivaratri is celebrated sometime during February-March. It is believed that Parvati, the wife of Shiva, prayed, meditated and fasted on this day for the well being of Shiva and hoped to ward off any evils that may fall upon him. Though, both men and women celebrate Shivaratri, it is an especially auspicious day for women. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.
On Shivaratri, devotees awake at sunrise and bathe in holy water (like the Ganges River) and wear new clothes. On the day of the festival, people will fast and spend the day focused on Shiva, meditating and chanting “Om Namaha Shivaya.” Thus, offering their obeisances to Lord Shiva, the mind is held in such single-pointed concentration throughout the day. Then they flock to the temples carrying holy water to bathe and worship the Shivalingam. This bathing of the Shivalingam symbolizes the cleansing of one’s soul. Next, the Shivalingam is decorated with flowers and garlands. It is customary to spend the entire night awake singing the praises of Lord Shiva.
Shivaratri is a festival that is held in the typical pattern of preparation, purification, realization, and then celebration. Then at the stroke of midnight Shiva is said to manifest as the inner light of purified consciousness. Thus, this climax at night represents our overcoming the dark ignorance and reaching the state of purified spiritual knowledge. Therein we conquer the influence of the mind and senses, exhibited by staying awake all night, and enter the state of steady awareness wherein there is spiritual awakening. If one can follow this process, then he or she can experience the real meaning of Shivaratri.
Holi is a major festival and celebrates the onset of spring, along with good harvests and the fertility of the land. It is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March. This festival is known best for the way people throw brightly colored powder and water over each other to celebrate the advent of spring. Then they bathe and cleanse themselves after which they distribute sweets amongst friends and relatives. Vibrant processions accompanied by folk songs and dances are also a characteristic of Holi celebrations. Holi is a very popular festival amongst the youth. Holi also commemorates the burning to death of Holika, the aunt of Prahlada. Huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi for this reason. Holi is celebrated with great vigor in the north, but is hardly celebrated in southern India.
This is the festival that is celebrated by the increasing numbers of the Guadiya Vaishnava tradition. It is the celebration of the birth of Lord Chaitanya, who was considered an incarnation of God, Lord Krishna. Lord Chaitanya showed by example the highest emotion and sentiment of worship and love for Lord Krishna. He also was the first to start peaceful civil disobedience demonstrations for worshiping the Lord, and the sankirtana movement, which is the congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names in the form of the Hare Krishna mantra.
These are two festivals that celebrate the New Year in different communities of south India. Ugadi is celebrated in March-April. Vishu is celebrated in mid-April. The word Yugadi means the day of the inauguration of the Yuga or Age. Vishu is celebrated in a big way in Kerala. Families wake up in the morning and make sure they feast their eyes on good things like a picture of God, grains, flowers, fruit and gold. It is believed seeing these first thing in the morning of the New Year will bring them prosperity and wealth throughout the year.
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated during the time of March-April. Lord Rama, who became king of Ayodhya, was known for His exemplary qualities. He was popular, brave, kind, just, intelligent, patient, loving, obedient and dutiful. Lord Rama is always worshiped with his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman. The worship of Lord Rama is accompanied by the worship of the Sun god since Rama was considered to have descended from the sun, or is in the Solar dynasty. Rama Navami celebrations include reading the great epic Ramayana and staging plays of the Rama Lila, or the pastimes of the life of Lord Rama.
This celebrates the birth of Hanuman, the most famous devotee of Lord Rama. His birthday falls on Chaitra Shukla Purnima—the March-April full moon day. On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless you with success in all your undertakings. Celebrations are marked by special pujas (rituals of worship) for Hanuman.
Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India—either alone or together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman was the Avatara of Lord Siva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. He is also called by the names Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Mahavira, Bajrangabali and Pavankumar.
Hanuman was the living embodiment of the power of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true devotee who worked without personal desires, and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion. He lived only to serve Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine virtues. He did what others could not do—crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the demon-king’s city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb to restore the life of Lakshmana. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
Hanuman possessed devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence. He said to Ravana, “I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama. I have come here to serve Sri Rama, to do His work. By the command of Sri Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the Grace of Sri Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it if it comes while serving Sri Rama.”
Sri Rama Himself said to Hanuman, “I am greatly indebted to you, O mighty hero. You did marvelous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return. Sugriva has his kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince. Vibhishana has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for anything at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to you by Sita. How can I repay My debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honor and worship you like Myself. Your image will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and honored first. Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!”
Thus did Sri Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy feet of Sri Rama.
Sri Rama asked him, “O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?” Hanuman humbly replied, “By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord.” Again Sri Rama asked, “How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?” And Hanuman replied, “By Thy Grace, my Lord.” Everyone should try his best to follow the noble example of Hanuman. Glory to Hanuman! Glory to his Lord, Sri Rama! Om Sri Hanumate Namah
Vikram Samvat – The Hindu New Year
This is a festival with a truly spiritual meaning and relevance. Guru Purnima celebrates the might of one’s teacher or guru through respect and reverence. Also known as Vyasa Purnima, the festival is celebrated in July-August on the full moon. It is believed that the great scholar and composer of the Vedic literature, Vyasadeva, who lived in the Dvapara Yuga, was born on this day. Legend also has it that this is when he completed the codification of the four Vedas.
This celebrates the love of a sister for her brother. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi, a colorful bracelet made of silk thread, on the wrist of their brothers to protect them against evil influences. It is celebrated in July-August. Raksha Bandan is celebrated in some parts of India as a festival to honor the sea god Varuna, where coconuts are offered to the sea. Because of its three eyes, the coconut represents the three eyes of Shiva. As a mark of auspiciousness, coconuts are also broken at shrines and temples. This is also the day set apart for Brahmins to change the sacred thread they wear.
Date: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the fifteenth day of Shravan, in July / August.
Legend: In the days when gods warred with the demons, the consort of Indra (the Puranic King of the Heavens) tied a rakhi (a silken amulet) around his wrist, by virtue of which, it is said, the god won back his celestial abode from his enemies.
Practice: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in some parts of India as a festival to honour the sea god Varuna, where coconuts are offered to the sea Because of its three eyes, the coconut represents the three eyes of Shiva. As a mark of auspiciousness, coconuts are also broken at shrines and temples.
However, at most places, it celebrates the love of a brother for his sister. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them against evil influences. In some places, before tying the rakhi, barley saplings are placed on the ears of the brother.
This is also the day set apart for Brahmins to change their sacred thread they wear.
This is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in August-September. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. Notable are the cribs and other decorations depicting stories of Lord Krishna’s childhood. In the evening bhajans (devotional songs) are sung which end at midnight, the auspicious moment when Lord Krishna was born.
Krishna Janmastami is a festival that is held in the typical pattern of preparation, purification, realization, and then celebration. On the day of the festival, people will fast and spend the day focused on Krishna, meditating and chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and other prayers or songs devoted to Lord Krishna. Often times, there will also be plays and enactments of the birth and pastimes of the Lord. Thus, offering their obeisances focusing their minds on Lord Krishna, the devotees hold themselves in such single-pointed concentration throughout the day.
Then at the stroke of midnight Lord Krishna takes birth, which is celebrated by a midnight arati ceremony. Flowers are showered on the Deity of Lord Krishna, or the Deities are dressed in new outfits or decorated with numerous flowers on this day.
In this way, after a full day of purification, we realize our own connection with the Lord, who then manifests as the Supreme worshipable object of our purified consciousness. Thus, this climax at night represents our overcoming the darkness of ignorance and reaching the state of purified spiritual knowledge and perception. Therein we overcome the influence of the mind and senses and enter the state of steady awareness wherein there is full spiritual awakening. If one can follow this process, then he or she can experience the real meaning of Krishna Janmastami. Then prasad (sacred offered food) is distributed to everyone.
This celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesh, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, his child form, as he is popularly known in southern India. He is the god of wisdom, prosperity and good luck. He also removes obstacles. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the lunar month that falls in August-September. Clay figures of the elephant-headed Ganesh are made and after being worshiped for two days, or in some cases ten days, are immersed in water. Ganesh Chaturthi is very popular in the Indian state of Maharasthra.
The Teej festival is a very well known and popular festival which can be celebrated across all over the India specially in Rajasthan, Uttar pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra. people celebrate the Teej with a grate joy and happiness in India and Nepal.
On the occasion of Teej festival women cleans their home and then prepare it for special pooja. some of women also make rangoli at home and temples. the home or temple can be decorated with beautiful flowers and colours. women make sweet dish and delicious food at home for their family members and they offered it to goddess Parvati, lord Shiva on this day.
The teej festival comes in the month of July-august every year. The yellow & green colour is special colour of the celebration of teej festival. teej festival is a colourful festival of India and It is said that the teej name comes because this festival come on the third day of shravan month. women apply heena on their palms on the day of Teej. The festival of teej dedicated to goddess parvati and lord shiva.
Teej festival is specially celebrated in Jaipur in Rajasthan. Women decorates the idol of goddess parvati with flowers & jewellery and than pray for their husband’s long life. women sung songs and dance in group around the idol of goddess parvati and they enjoy very much on the day of teej. In some cities of rajasthan people arrange a royal procession with the idol of goddess Parvati. The procession goes to the main market of city and stops at the fair ground of teej.
Teej festival also celebrated in the memories of lord Shiva and Parvati. Married women visit their parents home and celebrate this festival of Teej every year.
Teej is the most popular festival of Uttar pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Nepal. Married women observe fast and break it at evening with food and sweets. Younger girls also pray to parvati and shiva and pray them to give her good husband in near future. Women sing devotional songs and dance in the groups. women and girls specially wear green or yellow coloured dresses and jewellery on the day of Teej.
Navaratri or the nine sacred nights dedicated to the Mother Goddess are celebrated in the month of October-November. Navaratri includes the Sarasvati Puja and the Durga Puja festivals. “Nava” means nine and “ratri” means night. So Navaratri literally means nine nights. It is during these nine nights of festivities that the goddess is worshiped in Her different forms of Durga, Lakshmi and then Sarasvati. Durga is worshiped during the first three nights of the festival because of her destructive aspect. She destroys the anarthas or unwanted barriers that hold us back from our true spiritual potential. She reduces the evil tendencies in the mind, which is the meaning of durgati harini. Thus, she is worshiped to relieve us of our destructive desires of desire, lust, passion, greed, anger, etc. Without removing these obstacles, the spiritual unfoldment cannot take place.
The next step is to apply the positive process of adding the qualities we need. So Lakshmi is worshiped over the next three nights. She gives one the wealth of good qualities, such as love, goodness, compassion, forgiveness, cooperation, nonviolence, devotion, purity, and the like. Virtue is the true wealth, which is given by Lakshmi. This is not merely the wealth of riches and possessions, but the real wealth that can propel us toward the spiritual goal. These positive uplifting qualities replace the bad ones that were removed by Durga.
At this point the seeker can become fit for the philosophical study and contemplation that is required. Then Sarasvati, the goddess of knowledge, is worshiped the remaining three nights. Sarasvati gives one the intelligence, knowledge and wisdom by which spiritual realization is possible. She represents the highest knowledge of the Self. By invoking her blessings, she plays her well-tuned vina of knowledge and insight, which can then tune our mind and intellect for working in harmony with the world and the purpose of our existence. Then our spiritual practice, study, and meditation become effective for producing the victory of rising above the influence of our mind and senses. Then we can perceive our real identity of being spiritual entities and parts of the spiritual dimension, free from illusion.
After having removed our impurities, gained the proper virtues, and then acquired the knowledge of the Self, then the last day is called Vijayadasami, or the day of victory over our minds and the lower dimension after having worshiped the goddess in her three forms. The celebrations of Navaratri are held at night because it represents our overcoming the ignorance of the mode of darkness, the night of tamoguna.
Additionally, Navaratri commemorates the day on which the combined powers of the three Goddesses of Durga or Maha-Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Sarasvati put an end to the evil forces represented by the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. The ninth day is also the day of the Ayudha Puja in the south. The Ayudha Puja is worship of whatever instruments one may use in one’s livelihood. On the proceeding evening, it is traditional to place these instruments on an altar to the Divine. If one can make a conscious effort to see the Divine in the tools and objects one uses each day, it will help one to see one’s work as an offering to God. It will also help one to maintain constant remembrance of the Divine. Children traditionally place their study books and writing implements on the altar. Throughout the ninth day, an effort is made to see one’s work or studies as imbued with the Divine presence. The tenth day is called Vijaya Dashami. Devotees perform a puja to the Goddess Sarasvati to invoke the blessings of Sarasvati on books, writing implements, musical instruments and tools of trade. After the pujas, little children are initiated into the learning process.
So the Vedic festivals are performed in these phases of first preparation, then purification, realization, and then celebration. It represents one’s progress toward the real goal of life. First the mind must be purified of all unwanted thoughts and habits. Then it must become focused on one’s concentration of the Supreme. As the knowledge of our spirituality of the Self and our connection with the Supreme Being becomes revealed, then there is realization. When such realization has been reached and the ego destroyed, then there is celebration. Living life on the basis of spiritual realization means that life is a constant joy and celebration.
Dusshera, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated on the tenth day of Navaratri. This signifies the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana, which is often observed with special celebrations and the burning of the effigy of Ravana. On that day there is often a huge bonfire in which people burn the effigy of the demon Ravana, which also represents the destruction of the false ego. Thus, it is a festival which shows the process by which humanity can reach the perception of God. It incorporates the means and worship by which one can purify themselves of the ten sins, meaning the sins committed by the ten active senses. It is the process of purification so that one is meant to become free of the dictates of the mind and the temporary world of sense objects, which paves the way for one to enter into the transcendental experience.
What this shows is that all aspects of the Vedic process, whether we are familiar with them or not, are ultimately meant to be a vehicle by which we can transcend the mind, senses, and the temporary material world and enter into the Supreme Reality wherein we can reestablish our lost relationship with the Supreme Being.
This is a fast undertaken by married Hindu women who offer prayers seeking the welfare, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. Karva Chauth is celebrated before Deepavali some time in October or November. It is the most important fast observed by the women of North India. A woman keeps such a fast for the welfare of her husband, who becomes her protector after she leaves her parents home. Her husband provides her with food, shelter, clothing, respectability, comfort and happiness. This is a tough fast to observe as is starts before sunrise and ends after worshiping the moon, which usually rises late evening.
Deepavali, or Diwali as it is popularly called, is the festival of lights. It symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word Deepavali literally means rows of clay lamps. It is celebrated on the New Moon day of the dark fortnight during October-November. It is also associated with the return to Ayodhya of Lord Rama, His wife Sita and His brother Lakshmana after their fourteen-year sojourn in the forests. The day also marks the coronation of Lord Rama.
The meanings of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Another is how Lord Krishna tamed and killed the demon King Narakasura. It also commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. It is said that Narakasura, the son of Bhudevi, who ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram, often troubled the devas and disturbed the penance of the sages. Narakaasura also had kidnapped and terrorized the gopis of Vrindavan. Tired of this harassment, Indra and other devas approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with Him to protect them from the demon Narakasura. But the demon king could only be killed by a woman. So Lord Krishna asked His wife, Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be His charioteer in the battle with Narakasura. Lord Krishna waged a fierce battle and killed the demon. When the evil Naraka was finally killed by Bhagwan Krishna and Satyabhaama, he begged pitifully for mercy; thus, upon his entreaties, Bhudevi declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is celebrated every year with lots of fun and frolic and fireworks. It is also known as Krishna Chaturdashi. It is also celebrated as the day Bhagwan Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi.
Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was conquered by Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appeared to the demon king Bali in the form of a dwarf and requested only three steps of land. The evil and egotistic Bali granted the dwarf’s meager request of only three feet. Suddenly, Lord Vishnu took on His grand size and placed one foot on the Earth, another on the Heavens and His third on the head of the evil Bali.
In general, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness.
Diwali also marks the New Year. For some, the day of Diwali itself is the first day of the New Year, and for others the new year’s day is the day following Diwali. But, for all this season is one of heralding in the New Year. In the joyous mood of this season, we clean our homes, our offices, our rooms, letting the light of Diwali enter all the corners of our lives. We begin new checkbooks, diaries and calendars. It is a day of “starting fresh.”
On this day we clean every room of the house; we dust every corner of the garage, we sweep behind bookshelves, vacuum under beds and empty out cabinets. But, what about our hearts? When was the last time we swept out our hearts? When did we last empty them of all the dirt and garbage that has accumulated throughout our lives?
That is the real cleaning we must do. That is the real meaning of “starting fresh.” We must clean out our hearts, ridding them of darkness and bitterness; we must make them clean and sparkling places for God to live. We must be as thorough with ourselves as we are with our homes. Are there any dark corners in our hearts we have avoided for so long? Are we simply “sweeping all the dirt under the rug?” God sees all and knows all. He knows what is behind every wall of our hearts, what is swept into every corner, and what is hidden under every rug. Let us truly clean out our hearts; let us rid ourselves of the grudges, pain, and anger that clutter our ability to love freely. Let us empty out every nook and cranny, so that His divine light can shine throughout.
Diwali is celebrated in grand fashion. For some, they have a oil bath early in the morning and wear new clothes. Children love the fireworks associated with Diwali. A lot of sweets are distributed to friends and relatives. And homes are often lit with rows and rows of little clay lamps called diyas that light up the dark New Moon night. Businesses begin their new book keeping with Diwali. The trading community celebrates the thirteenth day of the month of Kartika (Oct.-Nov) as Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, the first of the five-day festival. The word Dhan means wealth, and the day is of great importance for the rich mercantile community of Western India. Their homes and business premises are all decked up in lights to usher in prospering times. The day ends with a Lakshmi puja at home. Some temples also conduct large Lakshmi Puja celebrations.
This is the third, and perhaps most important, aspect of Diwali: the worship of Maha Lakshmi. Maha Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, bestowing these abundantly upon her devotees. On Diwali we pray to her for prosperity; we ask her to lavish us with her blessings. However, what sort of prosperity are we praying for? All too often, we infer wealth to mean money, possessions, material pleasures. This is NOT the true wealth in life; this is not what makes us prosperous. There is almost no correlation between the amount of money we earn, the number of possessions we buy and our sense of inner bliss and prosperity.
So on Diwali, we must pray to Maha Lakshmi to bestow real prosperity upon us, the prosperity that brings light to our lives and sparkle to our eyes. We must pray for an abundance of faith, not money; we must pray for success in our spiritual lives, not a promotion at work.
Another point about Maha Lakshmi is that we tend to worship only her most prominent of aspects – that of bestowing prosperity upon her devotees. However, she is a multi-faceted goddess, filled with symbols of great importance. As we worship her, let us look more deeply at her divine aspects. First, according to our scriptures, she is the divine partner of Lord Vishnu. In Hindu tradition, there is almost always a pair – a male and a female manifestation of the Divine, and they play interdependent roles. In this way it is said that Maha Lakshmi provides Lord Vishnu with the wealth necessary in order to sustain life. He sustains, but through the wealth she provides.
Therefore, in its highest meaning, Maha Lakshmi provides wealth for sustenance, not for indulgence. Our material wealth and prosperity should only sustain us, giving us that which is necessary to preserve our lives. All surplus should be used for humanitarian causes. She does not give wealth so that we may become fat and lazy; yet, that is what we tend to do with the wealth we receive. Let us remember that Maha Lakshmi’s material wealth is meant for sustenance and preservation, not for luxury and decadence.
So on Diwali, decorated and renovated to the hilt, the day begins with a bang of fire crackers with the performance of Lakshmi puja in the evenings. To indicate Her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermillion powder all over the houses. Entrances are decorated with lovely, colorful motifs of rangoli to welcome the Goddess or Wealth and prosperity. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights and women make it a point to purchase some gold or silver, or at least one or two new utensils, as it is considered auspicious and a symbol of prosperity, a manifestation of the goddess Herself. In South India, cows are offered special veneration and are adorned and worshiped as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
Another interesting story that is related to this day is about the son of King Hima. He was doomed to die of a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. The young daughter-in-law of the king, to save her husband, laid out gold ornaments, lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. She kept herself awake the entire night singing songs. When Yama, the Lord of Death, arrived in the guise of a serpent, his eyes were blinded by the dazzle of the brilliant lights, the gold and silver ornaments, and he was unable to enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus, the young wife saved her husband. And so the day is also known as Yamadeepdaan and earthen lamps are kept alight throughout the night in the reverential adoration of Yama.
The following day is celebrated as Narka-Chaturdashi or Choti Diwal. Lord Krishna and His wife Satyabhama are said to have returned home victorious after killing demon Narakasura, early in the morning on this day. The Lord was massaged with scented oils and was given a good bath to wash away the filth from His body. Since then, on this day, the custom of taking an oil bath with fragrant uptan before sunrise has become a traditional practice in Maharashtra and South India.
The Diwali day is devoted entirely to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi, burning lamps, firecrackers, card games and lots of masti. On the dark night of Amavasya, businessmen perform Chopda Pujan and open new account books.
The day following Diwali is the day of Govardhana puja. According to the Vishnu Purana, years ago the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worship him after the end of every monsoon season. However, one year the young Lord Krishna prevented them from offering prayers to Indra and convinced the people to offer the puja to Govardhan Hill, since it was an incarnation of the Supreme. This made Lord Indra enraged, who in turn sent a huge flood to submerge Gokul. But Lord Krishna saved Gokul and all the residents by holding aloft Govardhan Hill like an umbrella.
The day is also observed as annakoot in temples of Mathura and Nathdwara. This is when the Deities are worshiped with innumerable varieties of delicious sweets, which are ceremoniously raised into the form of a mountain of bhog (food), which is offered to the Lord and is worshiped as a form of the Govardhan Hill. Afterwards the devotees approach the mountain of food, do puja or worship to it and circumambulate it as was originally instructed by Lord Krishna. Later everyone takes portions of it as prasada, food that has been offered to the Lord and received as His mercy.
The fifth and final day of the Diwali festival is known as Bhayya-Duj or Bhav-Bij. According to the legend, Lord Yama, the God of Death, visited his sister Yami on this day. She is said to have applied the auspicious tilok on his forehead, garlanded him and served him delicious sweets. In return, Yama gave her a special gift as a token of his love and pronounced that anyone who receive tilok from his sister would never be defeated. And so to this day, brothers never fail to visit their sisters on the final day of Diwali.
With lights everywhere, Diwali symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, ignorance and evil, and a new hope for the future and irrespective of the region, unites the nation in the festivity of prosperity and joy.
Diwali is also known for making delicious sweets and giving them as presents. For a look at some of the sweets that are made and their recipes, see our recipe page called Diwali Sweets.
Gita Jayanthi: This is the celebration of when Lord Krishna spoke the illustrious Bhagavad-Gita to His friend Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, north of New Delhi. This usually takes place in the early part of the month of December.
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